Creating digital career paths for South Africa’s youth

Context

South Africa's increasingly digitalised economy is a significant opportunity for growth and development. However, high youth unemployment, particularly among those aged 15 to 34, remains a challenge in the country. Women experience higher rates of unemployment than men. Amidst these challenges, the digital transformation of South Africa's economy offers a beacon of hope for job creation.

Objective

Young people, especially young women, have better employment prospects thanks to demand-oriented careers in South Africa’s digital economy.

Approach

Building on the successes of its predecessor, Digital Skills for Jobs and Income II is dedicated to further improving employment opportunities for young South Africans in the fast-paced digital economy. Support services are streamlined, facilitating a smooth transition for young people from technical and vocational education and training (TVET) or unemployment into the labour market.

The project addresses four priority areas:

• Providing comprehensive career guidance services for at least 500 TVET students, with a special focus on women; strengthening the capacities of lecturers and student support services, and making TVET students aware of the opportunities they have.
• Developing training opportunities for 2000 TVET graduates and unemployed youth tailored to the requirements of the digital economy. This will facilitate their successful transition into the workforce.
• Providing opportunities for young people to gain practical work experience through programmes designed with employers. Young women, in particular, are supported in starting out in self-employment in the digital economy and in accepting contracts on gig economy platforms.
• Creating five well-defined and demand-oriented career paths in the digital economy. Labour market analyses are used to align careers with the needs of industry.

Last update: August 2024